AT&T plans to retire its copper network by 2029, aligning with its goal to expand fiber broadband to 50 million locations. The carrier said during an investor update this week it intends to transition customers from copper-based services like voice and DSL to fiber and fixed wireless options, such as Internet Air, which offers speeds up to 25 times faster than DSL.
AT&T spends $6 billion annually to maintain its copper network, which it says is costly and labor-intensive. Only five percent of customers still use copper services, according to Telecompetitor. “Copper is an energy hog” and is labor-intensive to repair, said AT&T EVP/GM Wireline Transformation and Supply Chain Susan Johnson.
The retirement will happen in two phases: the first will focus on areas where fiber deployment is not feasible, affecting about 10 percent of the customer base. These customers will be moved to fixed wireless or satellite. The second phase will prioritize areas where fiber is planned, serving most customers with fiber, and some with fixed wireless, according to Telecompetitor.
AT&T has received approval from regulators in 20 states to relax carrier of last resort requirements and has gained FCC approval to stop new copper orders in 60 wire centers. However, the company still needs to work with California regulators. The transition also includes AT&T Phone-Advanced, allowing customers to use existing landline devices with fiber or fixed wireless services.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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